Innovate and create

Experience and learn

The route to be a fragrance and cosmetics master

A module in Fragrance Chemistry and the creation of a Horoscope Mix and Match Perfumery Kit during his Final Year Project sparked off his passion and strong interest in the fascinating and alluring world of perfumery. Ivan Chia graduated knowing that his interest in the fragrance and flavours industry is very niche but was surprised to find out that the top five Fragrance and Flavours (F&F) houses were actually at his doorstep.

Dedicated to pursue and excel in this area of fragrances and perfumery, he chose to work on the conceptualisation and creation of a Mix and Match Perfumery Kit for his Final Year Project. This innovative and fun idea that incorporates the use of horoscope to determine which perfume blend to concoct led his team to emerge Second Placing in the SP IDEA Challenge Competition 2005/2006.

After graduation, his strong passion and interest led him to pursue careers in the top F&F houses such as Firmenich, IFF and Takasago. Inspired to become a Perfumer, Ivan decided to pursue the European Fragrance and Cosmetics Master (EFCM) program at the Institut supérieur international du parfum, de la cosmétique et de l'aromatique alimentaire (ISIPCA), a renowned school for post-graduate studies in perfume, cosmetics products and food flavour formulations, with an apprenticeship period in the industry originally founded in 1970 by Jean-Jacques Guerlain.

He is currently completing his second year of the course and is confident to return better equipped with technical and creation skills in the areas of perfumery and cosmetics sciences.

“Singapore Polytechnic opened my mind to the world of perfume and cosmetics. I have since found my passion and will continue to pursue this journey to becoming a Perfumer.”